Georgia in the News
Read more about Georgia destinations making headlines in these select articles.
February 2024
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge featured in Wanderlust magazine’s February/March issue as “Hot Shot” destination for Winter 2024
January 2024
Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island ranked No. 1 beach in the U.S. by Lonely Planet
December 2023
Atlanta Botanical Garden named “The Great Christmas Light Fight” champion
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is officially a champion of ABC-TV’s hit holiday decorating competition series, “The Great Christmas Light Fight.” Garden Nights, Holiday Lights defeated the New Mexico BioPark Society’s River of Lights, NYC Winter Lantern Festival, and Space Center Houston’s Galaxy Lights to win the trophy and $50,000 prize.
November 2023
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park named to Travel + Leisure’s 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024
It’s not every day the U.S. gets a new national park, but 2024 could see this central Georgia destination enter the fold. Presently managed as a national historical park, Ocmulgee is home to large earthen mounds, including temple complexes, created by numerous Native American peoples over thousands of years. Should Congress approve the new designation in 2024, Ocmulgee will become the first national park in the state and the first in the U.S. to be co-managed by a nation whose ancestors were removed from the area: the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
Dahlonega featured as a top winter destination on the TODAY Show
October 2023
Georgia restaurants earn MICHELIN Guide recognition
The MICHELIN Guide has come to Georgia! The first MICHELIN Guide Atlanta selection, featuring restaurants throughout the metro Atlanta area, has been announced, giving food and travel enthusiasts a lot more to explore in Georgia’s capital city. In this inaugural year, five restaurants earned one MICHELIN Star, 10 restaurants earned a Bib Gourmand rating, and 30 restaurants were named Recommended eateries. In addition, two restaurants earned MICHELIN Green Stars, and four restaurants earned special awards.
Tallulah Gorge State Park recognized as Best Way to Get Outdoors in Georgia by National Geographic
Georgia’s Tallulah Gorge State Park centers around a dramatic thousand-foot-tall gorge formed by the Tallulah River. Explore via hiking trails with stellar vantage points or by launching a kayak or paddleboard into the water. If you’re an experienced climber, snag one of just one hundred free daily permits to trek to the gorge floor with its up-close views of Bridal Veil Falls and a chance to slip down the aptly named Sliding Rock for a refreshing dip.
September 2023
Georgia on my mind: Tourism boom sets historic record in Peach State
Georgia's tourism industry reached unprecedented heights in 2022, welcoming a historic number of visitors and breaking records in several key areas, according to Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD).
August 2023
Little St. Simons Island recognized as a Best North American Destination for a Bird-watching Trip by Travel + Leisure
Accessible only by boat, this privately owned island is home to the Lodge on Little St. Simons Island. It is also part of the Golden Isles, one of the most important coastal conservation areas on the Eastern Seaboard.
July 2023
Georgia earns multiple rankings in Travel + Leisure’s 2023 World’s Best Awards
15 Favorite Islands in the Continental U.S.: Golden Isles (No. 1)
25 Favorite Islands in the World: Golden Isles (No. 13)
15 Favorite Cities in the U.S.: Savannah (No. 4)
15 Favorite Resorts in the South: The Cloister at Sea Island (No. 7), The Lodge at Sea Island (No. 9)
5 Favorite Hotels in Atlanta: InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta (No. 1), The St. Regis Atlanta (No. 2), Loews Atlanta Hotel (No. 3), Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead (No. 4), Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta (No. 5)
5 Favorite Hotels in Savannah: Perry Lane Hotel (No. 1), The Alida (No. 2), JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District (No. 3), Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront (No. 4), Mansion on Forsyth Park (No. 5)
10 Favorite Domestic Airports: Savannah (No. 7)
10 Favorite Domestic Airlines: Delta Air Lines (No. 3)
June 2023
Thrillist highlights most beautiful outdoor places in Georgia
Georgia is home to more than 50 state parks, nine National Wildlife Refuges, one state forest, and (potentially) the country’s newest national park, meaning there’s a whole lot of beautiful places in our state. With the state park system covering more than 84,000 acres and stunning things to see even beyond those confines, there are plenty of ways to get outside and take in the state’s natural beauty.
May 2023
Georgia tourism industry leaders predict strong summer season
April 2023
Sea Island recognized on Veranda’s most incredible destinations around the world to visit in May
To relax and unwind stateside, we love spending summer weekends at Sea Island. On this southeastern barrier island, you’ll enjoy natural beauty, white sand beaches, three championship golf courses, and a five-star resort known for its trademark southern hospitality.
Multiple Georgia destinations ranked in Southern Living’s 2023 South’s Best Awards
The South's 20 Best Cities: Savannah (No. 2), Atlanta (No. 4), Alpharetta (No. 9)
50 Best Small Towns In The South: Dahlonega (No. 4), Tybee Island (No. 7), Helen (No. 14), Thomasville (No. 46)
The South's Best Hotels: The Cloister at Sea Island (No. 8), King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, St. Simons Island (No. 10)
Best State Parks In Every Southern State: Tallulah Gorge State Park
Best Barbecue Joint In Every Southern State: Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
Best Locally-Owned Restaurants In Every Southern State: Mary Mac's Tea Room
March 2023
Multiple Georgia destinations ranked in Tripadvisor’s 2023 Travelers’ Choice Awards
Top 25 Beaches in the U.S. – Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island (No. 3)
Top 25 Beaches in the World – Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island (No. 12)
Top 15 Trending Destinations in the U.S. – St. Simons Island (No. 13)
Top 25 Hotels in the U.S. – Perry Lane Hotel, Savannah (No. 22)
February 2023
Amicalola Falls named to Travel + Leisure’s best waterfalls in America
One of the tallest cascading falls east of the Mississippi? You bet. “It’s also the start of the eight-mile Approach Trail for the southern terminus of the world-famous Appalachian Trail that calls Georgia’s Chattahoochee National Forest home,” says Mark Jaronski, Explore Georgia’s deputy commissioner.
Jekyll Island featured as “hidden travel gem” on LIVE with Kelly & Ryan
January 2023
Macon earns national recognition as best place to visit in 2023
Little St. Simons Island named to USA Today Outdoors Wire’s stunning eco-lodges to visit for a once-in-a-lifetime experience
Famous for its beauty and hospitality, this eco-friendly lodge has won awards and topped best of lists. You can only reach it by boat, and the property limits guests to 32 per night. With 11,000 acres of undeveloped wilderness and seven miles of beaches, you might think you’re the only one on the island. Staying at the Lodge on Little St. Simons Island is an amazing experience for hikers, kayakers, and birdwatchers.
